Ottawa Police lay charges in two convenience store robberies

(Ottawa) The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit has laid charges in connection to two robberies of the same convenience store.

On November 6, 2013, at approximately 10:35 pm, a lone male, wearing a disguise, entered a Mac’s convenience store situated along Innes Road in Blackburn Hamlet. The suspect produced a knife, made a demand for cash and cigarettes, and threatened the employee. The suspect obtained both cash and cigarettes and fled. There were no injuries.

On November 16, 2013, at approximately 11:25 pm, a lone male, wearing a disguise, entered a Mac’s convenience store situated along Innes Road in Blackburn Hamlet. The suspect produced a knife and made a demand for cash and cigarettes. The suspect fled the store with both cash and cigarettes. A passer-by observed the robbery in progress, contacted Police, and provided a description as the suspect fled the store. The first officer arriving in the area observed the suspect a short distance from the store and a short foot pursuit ensued. The suspect was arrested by the officer. There were no injuries.

Michael McIlwaine, age 31 of Ottawa, is charged with the following offences:
* Two counts of robbery
* Two counts of wearing a disguise
* Two counts of possession of a weapon in the commission of an offence
* One count of carry a concealed weapon
* One count of utter threats
* One count of resisting arrest

Mr. McIlwaine will appear in court on November 18, 2013.

Anyone with information with respect to these robberies, or any other robbery, is asked to contact the Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5116 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.

– 30 –

Over 150,000 Monthly Readers! 1 Million+ Across the entire FreePress Network.